Prehistoric — Neolithic; 4,000 - 3,500 BCE
Polished axehead
A Neolithic jadeite polished axehead dating 4,000 to 3,500 BCE. Jadeite was mined in the Italian Alps, Mount Viso and Mount Beigua. The axes were carved and polished in Italy and France before they were brought to Britain and Ireland by sea. These axes do not appear to have a practical use, instead they were valued for their appearance and the journey they travelled from their source in the mountains to their final place. The axes may have signified social status and had special qualities such as giving protection. Many examples, like this one, have been found in watery places. It is likely that this axe was deliberately placed in the River Thames. Rivers are thought to be sacred spaces, linking this world with the supernatural world.
- Category:
- Prehistoric
- Object ID:
- 31.48
- Object name:
- polished axehead
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- Neolithic; 4,000 - 3,500 BCE
- Material:
stone, jadeite
- Measurements/duration:
- L 165 mm, W 70 mm, T 18 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.